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Rather than poring over white, cream, ivory, and eggshell-colored paint chips, Judy and Fred opted for the cheapest white paint base they could find at the local big box stores and verily doused the house in it. “We’re frugal,” says Judy, “and that’s how we made the color choice!” Words to the wise: It’s a great strategy, but heed these tips, too.

Spring for higher-quality exterior paint with added mildew resistance, especially if you live seaside. “It’s so damp here that the cheap stuff, even with mildew resistance, is still having problems,” says Judy. “We’re having to repaint with the expensive stuff outside.”